Hey! I’m Jess!

Just a 30-something, trying to make the best out of life. I lead a busy life so in my downtime I binge tv, watch movies, read books, or hang out with friends! For more on the history of me and this blog, check out my “About Jess” page!

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The Boys of Dessen: Nate

Nate might not be the most popular of the nice Dessen boys, but he definitely touched my heart. Here is what you see when you first lay eyes on him: blonde, jock, rich guy. When you look a little closer you notice he has white blonde, yellow to brown multi-hue hair, bright blue eyes with long lashes and a million dollar smile. He is laid back and completely nice..to everyone! He even calls himself “compulsively friendly.” He is one of the most popular guys at Perkins Day…swimmer, Student Body Vice President, Homecoming King, Junior Prom King, Community Liaison and Champion Volunteerer. Pretty damn perfect. Except his life is anything but that. His a**hole father treats him like crap and Nate does a great job at hiding this from the world. That situation completely broke my heart. Nate is different in that he needs just as much saving as Ruby, the main character in the book. Because of that, I feel protective over him, so give him some love.

Favorite Nate scene (or one of…):

In the end, it took Nate a full twenty minutes to get Lyle in the carrier and to the car, where I was waiting with the others. When he finally slid behind the wheel, I saw his hands were covered with scratches.

“I hope you get combat pay,” I said as he started the engine.

“I don’t scar, at least,” he replied. “And anyway, you can’t really blame the guy. It’s not like he’s ever been given a reason to like the vet.”

I just looked at him as we pulled away from the curb.[…]
“You know,” I said, “I just can’t get behind that kind of attitude.”

Nate raised his eyebrows, amused. “You can’t what?”

“The whole positive spin—the “oh, it’s not the cat’s fault he mauled me” thing. I mean, how do you do that?”

“What’s the alternative?” he asked. “Hating all creatures?”

“No,” I said, shooting him a look. “But you don’t have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.”

“You don’t have to assume the worst about everyone, either. The world isn’t always out to get you.”

“In your opinion,” I added.

“Look,” he said, “the point is there’s no way to be a hundred percent sure about anyone or anything. So you’re left with a choice. Either hope for the best, or just expect the worst.”

“If you expect the worst, you’re never disappointed,” I pointed out.

“Yeah, but who lives like that?”

I shrugged. “People who don’t get mauled by psycho cats.”

“Ah, but you did,” he said, pointing at me. “So clearly, you aren’t that kind of person. Even if you want to be.”

This is his attitude. Really. Which makes it impossible not to like him.

And here’s a quote from this book that’s always stayed with me:

“It’s a lot easier to be lost than found. It’s the reason we’re always searching and rarely discovered–so many locks not enough keys.”

“After her mom vanished in a stench of drugs and alcohol, Ruby continued to live in the family house alone. Finally found out, the introspective teenager is sent to the luxurious home of her older sister, Cora, whom she hadn’t seen in ten years. Everything there seems unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and supremely weird: her fancy new room; her lavish new wardrobe; the exclusive private school where she never quite fits in. Most mysterious of all is Nate, the friendly boy next door who seems to have a deep secret of his own.”

And now for the Lock and Key Giveaway!Rules:

* You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
* The form below must be filled out to be officially entered.
* Contest is US Only. (I’m sorry!)
* Ends May 22nd, 2011 at 12:00pm CST.
* Winner will be chosen using Random.org
* Winner has 48 hours to respond.

9 Responses to “The Boys of Dessen: Nate”

I've been seeing a lot of Sarah Dessen week all over the blogosphere and so many people are participating! I really like the way you did it, focusing on the boys and having giveaways for each book they're a part of. Great idea!

Nate sounds like a super sweet guy, but that's so sad what goes on at home. I've never read any of Sarah Dessen's books, but now I think I might try one out. Everyone seems to love them! Oh, and thanks for the giveaway!

@ReadingWifeJac

Is that whats his face from 90210 in that graphic?! If it is, I love him! haha. I've been talking about ti all week, but I love the scenes!
My recent post Sarah Dessen Week Day 5- Favorite Notable Quotables &amp FYI Friday!

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Some of the links in the posts above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Also, some books reviewed on Gone with the Words we received for free in the hope that we would mention them here on the blog and will be stated in Source area.